Introduction
Launched in 1940, the Patek Philippe ref. 1485 is a true rare oddity from Patek’s catalog that was exclusively made in stainless steel. Designed with a focus on water resistance, the ref. 1485’s two-part case, made by Taubert, utilizes an innovative system with three sliding sides that lock the case together. This design included an inner compartment with gaskets that were compressed against the metal sliders on the outer case. The patent for this novel case design was filed on August 25, 1938, under Swiss patent CH 207378 and published on October 31, 1939. As of now, only around 21 or so examples of the ref. 1485 have surfaced on the market. Measuring 26mm wide and roughly 35mm tall, the ref. 1485 was a large watch for its time with large circular lugs and an equally large easy-to-use winding crown. Only offered with a silver dial, the ref. 1485 is a completely monochromatic timepiece that broke from Patek’s conservative design language and dared to do something new and unusual.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
26mm x 35mm
Model
Waterproof
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 10-110
Reference
1485
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1940s
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainess steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Only offered with one display configuration, the ref. 1485's signature look boasts a silver dial with applied Arabic indices at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock and painted indices throughout the rest of its hour markers with a sunken running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a case aesthetically and physically unlike any other watch that Patek Philippe ever made, the ref. 1485 employed a system of metal sliders that act to lock the case together and ensure its waterproofness.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Please note that the watch winds and ticks at time of cataloging, but it is keeping poor time and a service is recommended.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows some wear, with some marks and scratches visible on the case and sliders. The brevet cross is still visible on the sliders, and they have visible scratches along the notched area. The original indelible Patek Philippe & Co. dial is in very good condiiton. It has previously been cleaned, and there are small breaks in the signature visible. Minor oxidation on the applied indexes. Watch comes on a generic strap and buckle. Please note that the watch winds and ticks at time of cataloging, but it is keeping poor time and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
While its large lugs and square shape might be aesthetically unusual for a Patek Philippe watch, it is the ref. 1485's ingenious use of three internal metal sliders to ensure its waterproofness that mark this as one of the Swiss watchmaker's most unique mid-century offerings.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
